Engagement

London Museum Smithfield: London Locals Volunteer 

Have you got a story to help bring our new London Museum in Smithfield to life?

Join our Engagement team to help bring our ground floor spaces in Smithfield to life by sharing your own memories, experiences and stories connected to one of three key themes (see more below). Whether it's the sound of a market before sunrise, hanging out after school at the chicken shop, working on London's streets, or the places that made you feel at home, your story can help visitors see London differently. 

Three key themes:

• People who have lived, worked or spent time around Smithfield market buildings and watched the local area change.
• Londoners who provide services to their fellow Londoners using the city streets. We’d love volunteers who can add their stories of working in roles such as lollipop person, cycle courier or member of the emergency services.
• The many social places that bring Londoners together, whether that's Morley's, Fabric, the India Club, the Galtymore Dance Club or somewhere only locals know.

As a London Locals volunteer, you will:

• Connect visitors with objects and displays, either 1-1 or in small groups, sharing your own experiences of London.
• Spark conversations with visitors that help people connect with London's history through your own lived experience.
• Help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere alongside museum staff and other volunteers.

London Locals volunteer shifts Tuesday – Friday and Sundays:

• Morning: 9:30 am – 1:00 pm*
• Afternoon: 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm*

 
*Indicative timings.

There may also be opportunities to volunteer at evenings, weekends and special events.

We're looking for people who can volunteer a couple of times a month. This is an ongoing role with a suggested minimum commitment of six-months.

Who we are looking for
You don't need museum experience or formal qualifications.

You’ll be:

• Passionate about London’s past, present and future and to connect visitors to the stories within our collection.
• Comfortable sharing your unique stories, personal memories and experiences related to the four themes above.
• Don't worry if you've never spoken in public before. We'll give you the training and support you need.
• This role is open to volunteers aged 18 or over.

If you're keen to volunteer but your experiences don't fit the themes above, we'll be recruiting for Welcome Volunteers later in the month - keep an eye on our website for more information. 

To find out more
Join one of informal information sessions with the Engagement team. In these sessions we'll tell you more about the role and you'll have an opportunity to ask questions. The sessions are available on the following dates and times:

• In-person: Friday 4^th September, drop-in from 12:00-2:00 PM
  • London Museum Docklands
    No 1, West India Quay
    Hertsmere Rd
    London E14 4AL
• Online: Wednesday 9^th September, 5:00 – 6:00 PM

To book a session email engagement@londonmuseum.org.uk

To apply

Interested in joining us? Read the full role description here, then click 'Fill in an application' to apply. Applications close Wednesday 30^th September 2026, 11:59 pm.

Introduction & Selection and Training sessions
If successful, we will invite you to an introduction and selection session on your preferred date of either Sunday 4^th October or Wednesday 7^th October.

To ensure that everyone has the support they need to share their stories with confidence, London Locals volunteers will take part in these trainings:

• 2 half day onsite sessions on storytelling and public speaking on the following dates:
  • Module 1: Choose one of these dates
    Thursday 15th October 
    Saturday 17th October 
  • Module 2: Choose one of these dates
    Thursday 22nd October
    Saturday 24th October

• 1.5 days of onsite visitor experience training in November
• 0.5 day of independent online training done on your own time

Attendance at all sessions is essential.

We appreciate everyone’s interest in volunteering, but we unfortunately can’t offer a volunteer placement to everyone who applies. We receive many more applications than the current number of volunteer roles available.

We will contact you if you have not been selected and there will be opportunities to apply for additional volunteer roles in the future.

Contact the Engagement team at: engagement@londonmuseum.org.uk with any further questions or if you'd like support with the application process.